The Essex Land Trust was founded in 1968 by a group of like-minded individuals interested in preserving the small-town character of the Town’s three villages: Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton. We are a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that acquires and maintains open space in Essex. We cooperate with town and state governments and adjacent communities but rely on the generosity of those who donate land, money, or their time to achieve a balance between open space and development in our community.

Our location in the Lower Connecticut River Estuary is recognized by The Nature Conservancy as one of the “Last Great Places” in the Western Hemisphere and by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as a unique wetland of international importance. Additionally, the Connecticut River has been designated an American Heritage River due to its historic and cultural significance to the nation; one of just fourteen rivers receiving the designation nationwide. As residents of this area, we have a responsibility to protect this vital habitat.

The land trust owns or has easements on 650 acres and helps to manage some of the Town of Essex’s open space as well. ELT is the largest landholder in the Town of Essex and is committed to promoting passive recreation for the enjoyment of the community.